When Jack Grealish, winger of Everton Football Club, tucked in a 93rd‑minute goal, the drama at Hill Dickinson Stadium on was palpable. The strike not only secured a 2‑1 comeback win over Crystal Palace Football Club, it snapped the Eagles’ 19‑match unbeaten streak across all competitions.
Match overview
During Everton vs Crystal Palace – Premier League Matchweek 7Hill Dickinson Stadium, the Toffees entered the game in 10th place with eight points, while the visitors sat third with twelve, the last unbeaten side in the league. Early on, Daniel Muñoz gave Palace the lead with a low‑driven finish in the 22nd minute, extending their run to what would have been 20 matches.
Everton, under the steady hand of David Moyes, struggled to find rhythm but kept pressing. Their persistence paid off when Iliman Ndiaye converted a 76th‑minute penalty after a Palace defender hauled down a Toffee attacker inside the box, leveling the score at 1‑1.
Key moments and turning points
- 22nd minute – Daniel Muñoz’s opener puts Palace ahead.
- 76th minute – Iliman Ndiaye’s penalty restores parity.
- 93rd minute – Grealish scores from close range after the ball ricochets off a defensive clearance.
The final strike was a textbook example of how chaos can become opportunity. Muñoz’s attempted clearance clanged off his own boot, slipped through the crowd, and landed at Grealish’s feet. He slotted it home with a simple side‑foot finish, sending the home fans into delirium.
Managerial tactics and reactions
Post‑match, Moyes praised his side’s resolve. “We showed we can grind out results against the best. The players stuck to the plan, and Jack’s goal was the cherry on top,” he said in the press conference. Meanwhile, Glasner admitted his side had underestimated Everton’s late surge. “We were comfortable after going 1‑0 up, but football is a fickle game. Credit to Everton for never giving up,” the Palace manager noted.
Grealish, who had been criticised for a goal drought after four assists in his first three appearances, reflected on the moment. “It felt like a lifeline. I’ve been working hard in training, and that night everything clicked,” he remarked, his grin betraying the relief.
Impact on the league table and future outlook
Everton’s win catapulted them to nine points, still in mid‑table but within striking distance of the European spots if they can sustain the momentum. Palace, on the other hand, dropped to four points behind the leaders, their flawless run shattered but their defensive record still impressive – only three goals conceded in six matches, tied with Arsenal for the fewest.
Analysts see the result as a potential turning point for both clubs. Former player‑turned‑pundit Gary Lineker suggested, “Everton have rediscovered the fighting spirit that made them a top‑six side a decade ago. Palace will need to regroup quickly; a single loss after such a long run can sting.”
Historical context of Palace’s unbeaten run
Palace’s 19‑match streak stretched back to the tail end of the 2024‑25 season, including a memorable 2‑1 win over league leaders Liverpool in March. Their defensive solidity under Glasner, characterized by a high‑press and compact back line, resulted in just three goals against in the first six Premier League fixtures – a record matched only by Arsenal.
The run also featured a series of gritty away draws, notably a 0‑0 stalemate against Manchester City, which kept them perched in third place. The loss to Everton now ends that chapter, but the foundation remains. If they can tighten up after the setback, a return to the top three is still realistic.
Key facts
- Match date:
- Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
- Final score: Everton 2‑1 Crystal Palace
- Goal scorers: Daniel Muñoz (22'), Iliman Ndiaye (pen, 76'), Jack Grealish (93')
- Everton moves to 9 points (10th), Palace remains on 12 points (3rd)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Everton’s chances of qualifying for European competition?
The win lifts Everton to nine points, pulling them within four points of the Europa League spots. If they maintain a similar points‑per‑game rate, they could be in contention for a top‑seven finish by season’s end.
What does the defeat mean for Crystal Palace’s unbeaten record?
Palace’s 19‑match streak ends, but their defensive stats remain strong – only three goals conceded in six league games. The setback could serve as a catalyst to tighten tactics ahead of the next fixtures.
Why was Grealish’s goal considered ‘freakish’?
The ball rebounded off Daniel Muñoz’s attempted clearance, spun awkwardly, and fell to Grealish inside the six‑yard box. The chaotic sequence left the goalkeeper out of position, making the finish look almost accidental.
Who were the standout performers for Everton?
Beyond Grealish, Iliman Ndiaye’s composure from the penalty spot and Jordan Pickford’s crucial saves kept Everton in the game. Coach David Moyes also highlighted the defensive unit’s discipline after conceding early.
What’s next for both clubs after this match?
Everton travel to Manchester United next weekend, a test of their newfound confidence. Palace face Tottenham Hotspur, where they’ll aim to bounce back and keep their defensive solidity intact.
Jo Simpkinson
October 6, 2025 AT 00:33Grealish finally gave us something worth watching.
Darrell Kuykendall
October 6, 2025 AT 01:56What a comeback!!! Evertons persistence really paid off, and the squad showed heart!!! This win could be the spark they needed to push for Europe, keep believing!!!
Rebecca Hayes
October 6, 2025 AT 03:20The transition phase was key, and the defensive block held firm after the early goal. Iliman’s penalty showed composure under pressure, and Grealish’s finish capitalized on a loose clearance. Overall, the side executed the game plan with disciplined pressing and efficient ball circulation.
Jason Underhill
October 6, 2025 AT 04:43Sure, it was a “miracle” goal but the stats show Palace were over‑rated anyway 😒
Kirsten Wilson
October 6, 2025 AT 06:06maybe the data’s right but that chaos was pure entertainment, mate its what football’s about right?
Michelle Roque
October 6, 2025 AT 07:30i cant believe the eags held on till the last minute, that was insane.
Killian Lecrut
October 6, 2025 AT 08:53Exactly! Who needs a tidy game when you can have a drama‑filled finale? Everton deserved that last‑minute thrill.
Joshua Rainey
October 6, 2025 AT 10:16Everyone’s acting like that goal was unprecedented but let’s be real, late winners are a staple in Premier League folklore.
Gail Robb
October 6, 2025 AT 11:40Honestly, the so‑called “unbeaten” streak was a myth; true greatness is measured by resilience, not by a list of matches.
andy heri
October 6, 2025 AT 13:03It’s great to see the team bounce back. The collective effort shows character, and that’s what fans will remember long after the stats fade.
Ayan Kumar
October 6, 2025 AT 14:26Man, that ball bouncing off Muñoz’s boot was pure cinematic gold, and Grealish seized the moment like a protagonist in a thriller.
Mark Pelletier
October 6, 2025 AT 15:50The match unfolded with a quiet intensity that belied the stakes. Everton entered the game aware of their position in the table. Palace, on the other hand, carried the weight of a long unbeaten run. Early dominance gave Palace a lead that seemed comfortable. Yet football is a game of moments and the first half ended without a dramatic turn. The second half saw Everton adjust their pressing shape. The midfield began to link play with more precision. Defensive discipline kept Palace from extending their advantage. A penalty awarded to Everton restored balance and shifted momentum. The crowd sensed a shift in energy as the team rallied. In the dying minutes the ball took an unexpected bounce. The clearance mishap created chaos near the six‑yard line. Grealish found space amidst the scramble. His finish, though simple, was decisive. The final whistle confirmed a hard‑earned victory. The result will be discussed in analyses for weeks to come.
Cheyenne Walker
October 6, 2025 AT 17:13From a tactical perspective, Everton’s high‑press effectively disrupted Palace’s buildup, allowing them to regain possession in dangerous areas. The use of overlapping full‑backs created additional width, which proved crucial in the latter stages. Maintaining this discipline will be essential for sustaining momentum in upcoming fixtures.
Dean Obijekwu
October 6, 2025 AT 18:36Keep the focus, trust the process, and the results will follow.